Matching a hire car to your passengers and luggage
Tell the team how many people will travel and how many cases, buggies or bulky bags you expect. Seating and boot space are separate questions. Say whether you need an automatic or are happy with a manual, and mention any child seat request early so it can be checked before you are quoted. Include details for every driver who may take the wheel.
Picking a suitable car
Start with the journey and pick the car to match it. Smaller cars are suited to city driving and short stays, automatics make local driving easier, estates and SUVs give more room for luggage, and people carriers are a better choice for families or small groups. The range available includes the Fiat 500, VW Golf, Ford Focus Estate, Ford Focus Automatic and Hyundai i10 Automatic, subject to dates, driver details and availability. The precise make, model, transmission, seating, payload and licence position are confirmed when you are quoted, so treat the vehicles listed as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Choosing around driver preferences
Begin by writing down who will be driving and what each driver prefers. If two people share the hire, note whether both want an automatic, whether either driver has a strong preference for a higher seating position, and whether anyone struggles with a particular layout. Some drivers like the familiarity of a compact city car; others feel more at home in an estate or an SUV. Record each driver's details as they appear on their licence, since the team will ask for these when you enquire. If one person will cover most of the mileage and another only occasional stretches, note that as well. These preferences can shape whether you look at automatics, saloons or people carriers.
Packing notes for a short break
If the car is for a short break, a packing list drafted a few days early can be useful. Note the number of suitcases, holdalls and any loose items such as coats, shoes or a cool bag, and consider whether you will return with more than you took, which happens after shopping trips or visits to family. Think about who needs access to which bag during the journey and whether anything must stay within reach. If you are travelling with children, list their entertainment and snacks alongside the luggage. When you tell the team the dates, driver details and where you need the car, you can also ask which vehicle groups suit your list, from compacts through to estates and people carriers.
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Last checks before booking
Before you confirm the hire, check the key details: vehicle availability, driver requirements, mileage, insurance, delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for, along with driver age, licence history, the deposit, the insurance excess and any travel abroad. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, the rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the expected passengers or load, and any particular requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.















